Megyn Kelly’s Net Worth Reportedly Reaches $60 Million Peak in 2024
Megyn Kelly has become one of the most recognizable faces in American media over the past two decades. Rising from a career as an attorney to become a star anchor at Fox News and later NBC, Kelly has made her mark as a tough interviewer and influential voice in political coverage.
Her direct style and high-profile clashes with figures like Donald Trump have kept her in the spotlight, even as controversy has followed her career moves.
This post will explore Kelly’s background, personal life, professional journey, and current status as a media personality and podcaster.
Who is Megyn Kelly?
Megyn Marie Kelly was born in Champaign, Illinois, on November 18, 1970. Raised in a Catholic family, she grew up in Syracuse, New York, and later Albany after her family moved when she was nine.
Kelly attended Syracuse University, graduating with a political science degree in 1992. She went on to earn her law degree from Albany Law School in 1995.
Kelly began her professional career as an attorney, working for nearly a decade at prominent Chicago and Washington, D.C. law firms.
However, she made a career pivot in 2003, entering the world of television news as a general assignment reporter for an ABC affiliate in Washington, D.C. This marked the beginning of Kelly’s rise as a media personality.
In 2004, Kelly joined Fox News Channel, where she would become one of the network’s biggest stars over the next 13 years. She hosted several shows, including “America Live” and “The Kelly File,” establishing herself as a sharp interviewer and commentator on political and legal issues.
Kelly gained widespread attention for her tough questioning of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump during a 2015 Republican primary debate.
After leaving Fox in early 2017, Kelly moved to NBC News in a high-profile deal. She hosted a Sunday night news program and a weekday morning show, “Megyn Kelly Today.” However, her tenure at NBC was short-lived, ending in controversy in late 2018.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Megyn Marie Kelly |
Date of Birth | November 18, 1970 |
Birthplace | Champaign, Illinois |
Age (as of 2024) | 53 years old |
Height | 5’6″ (168 cm) |
Religion | Catholic |
Marriages | Daniel Kendall (2001–2006), Douglas Brunt (2008–present) |
Children | Edward, Thatcher, Yardley |
Political Affiliation | Independent |
Personal Life and Relationships
Kelly has been married twice. Her first marriage was to Daniel Kendall, an anesthesiologist, in 2001. The couple divorced in 2006 after five years of marriage.
In 2008, Kelly married her current husband, Douglas Brunt. When they met, Brunt was the president and CEO of a cybersecurity firm. He has since become a full-time writer and novelist. Kelly and Brunt have three children together – sons Edward and Thatcher and daughter Yardley.
The family splits their time between homes in Connecticut and New Jersey. Kelly has spoken about the challenges of balancing her high-profile career with family life. She has been open about using in vitro fertilization to conceive her children.
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Kelly remains a practicing Catholic, though she has described herself politically as an independent. She has said she has voted for both Democrats and Republicans in the past.
Professional Career and Details
Kelly’s television news career began in 2003 when she was hired as a general assignment reporter for WJLA-TV, the ABC affiliate in Washington D.C. She covered significant national stories, including the 2004 presidential election and confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominees.
In 2004, Kelly moved to Fox News Channel, which launched her to national prominence. She became a general assignment reporter and legal analyst, appearing on various Fox programs.
Kelly got her legal segment called “Kelly’s Court” and frequently served as a substitute anchor.
Kelly’s first program as a Fox News anchor was “America Live,” which premiered in 2010. The two-hour afternoon show focused on breaking news and legal analysis.
2013, she launched her hugely popular primetime program, “The Kelly File.” The show frequently topped the cable news ratings, even occasionally beating Fox’s long-running #1 show, “The O’Reilly Factor.”
During her time at Fox, Kelly became known for her tough interviews and willingness to challenge conservative orthodoxy at times. She famously clashed with Donald Trump during and after a 2015 Republican primary debate where she pressed him on his past comments about women.
In January 2017, Kelly left Fox News for NBC News in a massive deal reportedly worth $69 million over three years. She hosted a Sunday night newsmagazine and took over the 9 a.m. show of the “Today” show with Megyn Kelly Today.
However, her time at NBC was tumultuous and short-lived. In October 2018, Kelly made controversial comments about blackface Halloween costumes that led to widespread criticism. Her show was canceled days later, and she officially left NBC in January 2019.
Age and Physique Details
Megyn Kelly was born on November 18, 1970, and is currently 53 years old. She is 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) tall.
Kelly has maintained a fit physique throughout her television career, though she has spoken about struggling with body image issues when she was younger. She has said she used to be heavier in her 20s but lost weight through diet and exercise.
Kelly’s striking looks, including her short blonde hair and blue eyes, have been part of her recognizable on-air persona. She has been named to various “most beautiful people” lists. Kelly has been open about getting Botox injections but says she has not had any major cosmetic surgery.
Net Worth and Salary Details
Megyn Kelly’s net worth is estimated to be around $45 million. She built significant wealth as a top anchor at Fox News and through her subsequent deal with NBC.
At Fox News, Kelly’s salary eventually reached $8 million per year, making her one of the highest-paid personalities on the network. Her move to NBC came with a massive pay increase – her three-year contract was reportedly worth $69 million total, equal to $23 million per year.
Even though Kelly’s tenure at NBC was cut short, she still received a significant payout. Reports indicated she received between $30 and $69 million as a severance when leaving the network.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Estimated Net Worth | $60 million |
Fox News Salary | $8 million per year |
NBC Contract | $69 million over three years ($23 million/year) |
NBC Severance | Estimated between $30 – $69 million |
Podcast/Book Deals | $10 million book advance (2016) |
Media Company | Devil May Care Media |
Since leaving NBC, Kelly has continued to earn income through her podcast, book deals, and other media appearances. Her 2016 memoir, “Settle for More,” earned her a $10 million advance from HarperCollins.
Walz’s Debate Brain Freeze, New Emhoff Allegations, and Trump Spurns 60 Minutes, with @kmele, @mcmoynihan and @MattWelch
Plus, moderators’ focus on climate change and terrible mic cut moment, left melts down after CBS interview with Ta-Nehisi Coates, and more. WATCH: pic.twitter.com/tYLmZECG3q
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) October 3, 2024
Company Details and Investments
After leaving NBC in 2019, Kelly founded her own media company called Devil May Care Media. The company produces her current podcast, “The Megyn Kelly Show.”
In 2021, Kelly signed a deal to bring her podcast to SiriusXM. The show now airs live daily on SiriusXM’s Triumph channel. Kelly’s company also produces video content for SiriusXM as part of the deal.
Kelly has not publicly disclosed details about any significant business investments outside of her media ventures. She and her husband own real estate, including homes in Connecticut and New Jersey, but the full extent of their property investments is unknown.
Investment and Funding
Beyond her media company, there is little public information about Kelly’s personal investments or involvement in funding other ventures. Her wealth comes primarily from lucrative television news contracts and current podcast/radio deals.
Kelly has not been reported to be an active angel investor or venture capitalist. Her focus remains on building her personal media brand rather than outside investments.
Contact Details and Social Network Handles
Megyn Kelly is active on several social media platforms:
Platform | Handle |
---|---|
@megynkelly | |
@megynkelly | |
@MegynKelly | |
Podcast Website | megynkelly.com |
Kelly’s podcast airs live on SiriusXM’s Triumph Channel 111 on weekdays from 12 to 2 p.m. A video of the show is available to SiriusXM subscribers.
Wh2 pmce, one of the biggest names in television news, Megyn Kelly, has pivoted to helm her own media company and podcast in recent years. Despite the controversy, she remains an influential and polarizing voice in American media.
Kelly continues to make headlines and drive conversations around politics and culture through her daily show and social media presence.